Ultrasound of the Aorta
Background and Indications for Examination Print Section Listen Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has an adult incidence of 2%–4%, with approximately 10% of these cases occurring in people over the age…
Probe Selection, Machine Controls, and Equipment
Introduction Print Section Listen A basic understanding of physics and orientation is essential for understanding ultrasound. However, when standing in front of the ultrasound machine, you need to make some…
Ultrasound Orientation
Introduction Print Section Listen Ultrasound orientation is essential to understand what is being seen in point-of-care ultrasound. There are two key aspects: how the indicator is oriented relative to the…
Ultrasound Basics
Ultrasound Physics Print Section Listen Ultrasound (US) uses the transmission and reflection of mechanical waves to generate an image. US frequency (f) is the number of wavelengths per second and…
Critical Care and Emergency Ultrasound
Introduction Print Section Listen Ultrasound has long been accepted as a safe and accurate imaging modality. Over the last several decades, advances in the equipment, training, and applications of ultrasound…
Dermatologic Principles
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen Dermatology is a specialty in which visual inspection allows for rapid diagnosis. A brief physical examination prior to a lengthy history is valuable because some of…
Cardiologic Principles I: Electrophysiologic and Electrocardiographic Principles
ELECTROPHYSIOLOGIC PRINCIPLES Print Section Listen The clinical tool most commonly used to assess cardiac function is the surface electrocardiogram (ECG). The ECG records the sum of the electrical changes occurring…
Neurotransmitters and Neuromodulators
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen This chapter reviews the normal physiology of neurotransmission, the molecular action and biochemistry of several major neurotransmitters and their receptors, and the toxicologic mechanisms by which…
Renal Principles
ANATOMY AND BASIC PHYSIOLOGY Print Section Listen The kidneys lie in the paravertebral grooves at the level of the T12 to L3 vertebrae. The medial margin of each is concave,…
Hepatic Principles
INTRODUCTION Print Section Listen The liver plays an essential role in metabolic homeostasis. Hepatic functions include the synthesis, storage, and breakdown of glycogen. In addition, the liver is important in…
